Community Corner
Bigger Response to Second First Thursdays
More Hermosa Beach businesses participate in the event, which is designed to draw shoppers, than did so in May.
More Hermosa Beach shops, bars and restaurants participated in the second First Thursdays, held this week, than in the inaugural event last month. Marked by signature orange, blue and green balloons, a total of 56 downtown businesses offered specials and freebies, resulting in 30 more shops than last month.
"It's a great way to get to know your businesspeople [and] stores that you wouldn't normally visit," said Paciugo Gelato owner Brittny Tacker.
Lori Ford, the forerunner of the event and owner of Gum Tree, said that she and Tacker used the Internet to engage more shops and residents. Social networking sites, such as Meetup.com, served as a medium for neighborhood groups like the Cool Coastal Mamas to attend the family-friendly event.
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"There was an incredible response from locals on Facebook, which got even more businesses involved," Ford said.
During this week's First Thursdays, window-shoppers sipped wine or specialty cocktails while browsing boutiques along the pier, and local musician Tucker Booth filled the Gum Tree cafe with tunes.
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AR hair salon on Hermosa Avenue gave away $10 gift certificates for a haircut or dye. Neighboring restaurants Fritto Misto and Zanes offered tempting discounts on appetizers.
Hermosa Beach newcomer Rob Polich, 22, said that the store specials and festivities helped him find a new favorite shop.
"I would have never found this store if it wasn't for First Thursdays," said Polich, who was shopping at Curious on Pier Avenue. "There are things here like the custom woodwork that you can't buy anywhere else so I'll for sure be frequenting more often."
Shoppers said that First Thursdays serves as an incentive to visit Pier Avenue's boutiques and restaurants, despite having to maneuver around an array of construction equipment.
"Once Pier Avenue is completed, I can only imagine how much more successful future First Thursdays will be," said Amy Smith, a former resident of Hermosa Beach who still visits the city frequently.
Both Ford and Tacker said that they predict First Thursdays will be a long-standing tradition.
"Cities all over have events like this, why can't we?" Ford asked.
The event will continue to be held throughout the summer on the first Thursday of each month.
